On
Tuesday, October 21, the Fall 2008 Grant School Fishing Club took its
fishing field trip. The students and parents and school staff fished at
a private pond. Everyone caught at least one fish, and some students
caught as many as 15! The fish were of various sizes and were released
back into the pond. On Tuesday, November 4 the club will wrap up its
fall sessions with a fish fry celebration.

The
Grant School Fishing Club is an after-school program offered to 4th and
5th graders. Two-7 week sessions are held each school year, one in fall
and one in the spring. The program is possible through the support of
the Grant School Family PTO.

The
curriculum for the program is provided by the Department of Natural
Resources' Angler Education program and the Future Fisherman
Foundation's Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs. Through participation in
the Club students earn their Junior Angler patch. Some of the skills
and topics covered are: basic tackle and tying fishing knots,
identifying fish and choosing bait, fish anatomy, adaptations, and
habitat, and safe and ethical fishing practices.

Students
are also taught that fishing is a natural avenue for the development of
life skills. Fishing is an inexpensive and healthy recreational
activity. Fishing also promotes positive lifestyles, communication
skills, self-esteem, ethics, and a sense of environmental
responsibility.